‘Star Trek Beyond’: Could This Missing Character Hint At The Future Of The Franchise?

Star Trek Beyond, the third installment in the film franchise reboot that originated with J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek in 2009, has only recently been released in theaters but is already being met with generally positive reviews and a steady flow into the domestic box office. Most are applauding the film for succeeding with fans, where the previous film, Star Trek Into Darkness, seemingly failed to arouse that same level of enthusiasm and respect.

But One Crew Member Was Missing In Star Trek Beyond

Yet, some fans might have noticed a noticeable absence in Beyond. Simon Pegg (Scotty) who helped pen the third entry in the modern series, has spoken up about a missing character who fans believed would at least make a cameo appearance following her debut in Into Darkness.

Alice Eve was not invited back for ‘Beyond’

That’s right. We’re talking about Alice Eve’s Dr. Carol Marcus. Pegg explained that although there were initial discussions about bringing Eve back for a smaller role in Star Trek Beyond, the plans were ultimately scrapped in favor of saving her for something else further along down the road. , he said

“With this it felt like we would under-serve her if we included her, she might end up feeling like she hadn’t been given the amount of screen-time she deserves, so rather than bring her in and just have her be a supporting role, like, have her not be in this one, and when the time comes [bring her back]. The worst thing to do would be to have her in the film and have that character be killed, and that felt like a cynical thing to do. We thought rather than have Carol Marcus not be used to a reasonable capacity, let’s just not include her, have her be alive, in canon, and ready to come back at any time.”

I think this is the best move for the series and for the character. It shows how much respect that Pegg not only has for her, but for the actress herself. With just how difficult it was to dedicate time to every character in Beyond, adding a complex pull for Kirk in the form of Dr. Marcus would have only made the film feel bloated or resulted in an untimely and wholly distasteful killing off.

What This Could Mean For Future Star Trek Movies

The Project Genesis device

Speaking directly about the film franchise’s future – and that of his dedication to the character portrayed by Eve – could also point us in the direction the films might be headed next. Dr. Carol Marcus is a key figure for a central plotline within two of the original Star Trek films. As the head of Project Genesis, Dr. Marcus works to develop a device that will allow toxic or uninhabited worlds to sustain humanoid life. However, the device is stolen by KHAAAAAAAAN!!!! (sorry about that) who then uses it to create a world of his own – a.k.a. the Genesis planet.

Benedict Cumberbatch played Khan in ‘Star Trek 2’

Project Genesis could be in Star Trek‘s future…along with the return of Khan.

Though Khan has already come and gone within the new Star Trek cinematic universe, it doesn’t necessarily mean the purpose of Project Genesis is without future interpretation. Pegg also mentioned that, in earlier drafts of Beyond‘s script, there was to be some mention of Carol Marcus having been reassigned to Genesis, but they, too, were ultimately scrapped.

So, worry not fans, Pegg has us covered. As the former flame of Captain Kirk who will eventually give birth to his son, David, Dr. Marcus’ involvement in any future films, whether they involve Project Genesis or not, are definitely being thought through by the creative team. Everyone should walk away from the project with a complete sense of satisfaction.

Would you like to see Project Genesis re-adapted in a future film? Sound off in the comments section below!